https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news.atomThe Vegan Vibe Store - Vegan News2020-06-01T15:41:00-04:00The Vegan Vibe Storehttps://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/the-sad-history-of-animal-astronauts2020-06-01T15:41:00-04:002020-06-01T15:41:12-04:00The Sad History Of Animal AstronautsBestChoiceIndia TeamNetflix’s new comedy Space Force is a Greg Daniels and Steve Carell team-up meant to satirize Donald Trump’s new military branch of the same name, which is honestly doing a pretty fine job of that all on its own. The show—which stars Carell, John Malkovich, Ben Schwartz, Diana Silvers, and Tawny Newsome—is tinged with too much sincerity for many of its jokes to land. But one that does is a bit in Episode Two, in which a monkey and dog (who were abandoned in space after their mission to "obtain cute footage" was accomplished) are suddenly tasked with a space repair mission.

In “SAVE EPSILON 6!,” a Space Force satellite is attacked by a Chinese satellite, and two panels are detached. The Space Force crew quickly convenes in the night to brainstorm a solution to reattach them. General Naird (Carell) rejects the logical ideas put forth by scientists and decides that it should be up to the monkey, Marcus, and dog, Theodore, to repair the spacecraft.

While no animals have actually repaired any satellites or been kidnapped by Chinese spacecrafts as we see in Space Force, scientists actually do have a long, weird, often sad, history of experimenting with animals in space. This practice has been met with criticism from animal rights activists over the decades, but according to NASA: “These animals performed a service to their respective countries that no human could or would have performed. They gave their lives and/or their service in the name of technological advancement, paving the way for humanity's many forays into space.”

Here are some of the most strange and notable ones:

The first Chimpstronauts

In the 1940s scientists first began experimenting with sending animals into space to pave the way for human exploration. Albert I, the first of these test animals, died of suffocation during his flight in 1948. In the years that followed, both the U.S. and Russia sent dozens of monkeys and dogs into space, most of whom—as is depicted in Space Force—did not survive. The first monkey to survive the trip was named Yorick. He, along with a crew of 11 mice, were recovered following their flight from an air force base in New Mexico in 1951, although he died several hours after landing. Ham, a chimpanzee who was sent to space in 1961, is often referred to as the first monkey sent to space. But, there is some debate over this, given the early history of animals in space.

The Docile Legend Miss 'TLC' Baker

The first animal to survive the trip into space and continue to live afterwards was the 1-pound squirrel monkey Miss Baker in 1959. She lived until 1984, when she died at the age of 27, and she is buried at NASA's Space and Rocket Center in Alabama. Miss Baker was nicknamed TLC because she supposedly appreciated being handled with tender loving care (who among us!) and because of her "intelligence and loving, docile manner." In addition to being a female icon, she is also extremely tiny and adorable. To this day, fans leave bananas on her tombstone.

The Forgotten Feline Hero

France launched the first and only cat into space in 1963—Félicette, who sounds extremely chic, experienced weightlessness and was successfully recovered following her mission. In 2017, a man stumbled across a tea towel commemorating Félicette's journey to space, and was astounded that the French cat's legacy had been largely forgotten. In an effort to right this wrong, he began a Kickstarter campaign that raised more than $57,000 to erect a statue of her in celebration. Today, her bronze replica is on display at the International Space University in Strasbourg and she upholds the legacy of brave female animals in space.

Rabbits, Spiders, and Space Jellyfish, Oh My

After Apollo 11 landed man on the moon in 1969, the range of species broadened to include rabbits, turtles, insects, spiders, fish, jellyfish, amoebae, and algae. Anita and Arabella, two spiders sent to space in 1973, made headlines when they successfully spun webs in space. In the 1990s, NASA bred jellyfish in space and brought the babies back to Earth to determine how they might adjust to gravity (spoiler: not well). Sadly, the space-jellyfish had trouble moving around and orienting themselves. Frogs, salamanders, and sea urchins have also been bred in space, and fish and tadpoles have been sent to the International Space Station as well, to see how microgravity impacts them.

We hope the kidnapped monkey Marcus, whom we never hear of or see again following his capture in Episode Two of Space Force, had better luck than most of the real chimpstronauts over the years.

via esquireme.com

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/plant-based-meats-catch-on-in-the-pandemic2020-05-25T11:08:00-04:002020-05-25T11:11:31-04:00Plant-Based ‘Meats’ Catch On In The PandemicBestChoiceIndia TeamAs the meat industry struggles to respond to the outbreak, makers of vegan substitutes are ramping up production to meet new interest from shoppers.

That hasn’t slowed demand for meat. Sales from April 12 to May 9 were 28 percent higher than in the four weeks ending Jan. 18, before the first reported case of coronavirus in the United States, according to data fromNielsen.

But the meat industry’s troubles may have provided a boost for plant-based meat substitutes, which had a jump of 35 percent in sales during the same period. (The increase just for uncooked products was more dramatic: 53 percent for the vegan products versus 34 percent for meat.)

To meet the demand,Impossible Foodshas been hiring more workers, increasing pay and adding more shifts.Beyond Meatreported record sales in the first quarter of this year.

Those companies’ new generation of plant-based alternatives — developed in laboratories, with long lists of unfamiliar ingredients — had been slowly catching on with consumers. But some say that reports of illness among meat-processing workers have made them even more curious.

Before the pandemic, William Thomas, 19, usually bought ground beef and chicken on his weekly shopping trip near his home in Brookline, N.H. Since April, he has been buying plant-based meat instead. “I’d always been trying to block out a lot of what was going on behind the scenes of the meat industry, but I can’t ignore it forever,” he said.

Mr. Thomas, who is currently unemployed, is now eating a mostly vegetarian diet for the first time in his life.

“I think it uses much less water to grow a bunch of peas than it does to grow a cow,” said Faizal Karmali, 45, an independent philanthropy consultant who lives in the Dumbo section of Brooklyn.

Mr. Karmali and his fiancée have been trying since December to eat a more plant-based diet. At the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, he had a craving for meat. But then, he noticed higher meat prices and read reports of worker deaths.

“I just figured that the dynamics there were enough of a nudge not to bother creating more demand” for meat, he said.

Impossible Foods’ plant in Oakland, Calif., has not yet had any coronavirus cases, said the chief executive, Pat Brown. No cases have been reported at the North Carolina factory of Atlantic Natural Foods, which makes the Loma Linda line of plant-based foods, said Doug Hines, the company’s founder.

via nytimes.com

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/how-to-grow-vegetables-on-mars2020-05-11T14:20:00-04:002020-05-11T14:20:20-04:00How to Grow Vegetables on Marskrishan kalpoe
This may not be the right time to bring this up, but let’s just say it: there’s strong reason to believe illnesses like COVID-19 might become more prevalent in coming years. When we encroach on previously untouched areas—such as wild lands, dense jungles and tropical forests—we unleash unknown viruses that our bodies have no protection against. As the human population grows and natural habitats shrink, this cycle will likely continue. Other catastrophic dangers to Earth include collisions with asteroids and comets, global thermonuclear or biochemical warfare, and of course the long-term effects of global warming.

To lessen these dangers, we might need to get away. Far away. Like all the way to Mars. The primary reasons for going are to explore and to search for life—both past and present. But settlements on Mars also provide a safe haven for humankind in the unlikely event that something catastrophic happens to the Earth. Going to Mars isn’t just fanciful, pie-in-the-sky thinking. NASA is under presidential orders to land humans on Mars by 2033, and the organization is studying ways to build human habitations on the Red Planet. In 2016, SpaceXpublicly announced a comprehensive vision to begin building settlements on Mars, proposing a high-capacity transportation infrastructure. This two-phase mission could put people on Mars by 2026.

This potential colonization is why astrobiology students at Villanova began theirMars Gardens project, investigating which plants and vegetables can grow in iron oxide–rich Martian soil simulant (MSS). Over 45 different kinds of plants have been tested since the program began in 2017—and, given that these are college students, it’s unsurprising that the tests included hops and barley.

Plants grown in potting mix under the same environmental conditions served as “controls,” and the simulant regolith (soil) is based to a large extent on volcanic rock from the Mojave Desert. MSS, which tends to be denser, is available online and comes from NASA’s chemical analysis of Martian samples. However, the actual regolith on Mars contains perchlorates that are dangerous to humans. So, once on Mars, this hazardous chemical will have to be removed before the actual soil is used. Also, the sunlight on Mars is weaker, which affects growing conditions. So, the Villanova students took all the right steps to replicate Martian greenhouse conditions, and accounted for as many variables as possible—all with the goal of answering the question: Can plants be grown on Mars in Martian soil under reduced ambient light?

Before we answer that, let’s take a big-picture look at Mars. It’s safe to say the environment there isn’t exactly welcoming: Overall, Mars is small (about one 10th of Earth’s mass), cold (on average, –50 degrees Celsius) and desolate. It has a very thin, carbon dioxide–rich atmosphere that’s about one 90th as dense of Earth’s. Mars is roughly 141 million miles from the sun (Earth is 93 million miles), meaning the maximum intensity of sunlight on Mars is about 43 percent the strength of the sunlight on Earth. There is some good news, however, as beneficial carbon dioxide and nitrogen make up about 95 percent and 2.6 percent of the planet’s atmosphere, respectively. However, without any ozone in the Martian atmosphere, the greenhouse windows would need to block harmful solar ultraviolet radiation.

A few billion years ago, Mars boasted a more hospitable environment, complete with oceans, a temperate climate and—quite possibly—life. It has since lost most of its atmosphere and water inventories, and there is currently no water on its surface. Water (or ice) is present beneath the surface, however, as well as in the planet’s icy polar regions. These harsh conditions make it necessary for all plants to be grown in heated, pressurized greenhouses with significant compensations made for atmosphere, humidity and water.

In their greenhouse experiments, the Villanova students took strenuous measures to create an environment that’s both plant-friendly and similar to what would be found in greenhouses on Mars. They ensured, for instance, that plants received roughly the same amount of sunlight as they would on Mars. Given these requirements, the students also experimented with growing some plants hydroponically.

The students found that their success rates could be improved with two enhancements: augmenting sunlight by using multiwavelength LEDs and loosening the dense MSS by adding potting soil—or earthworm feces.

Based on all these factors, students were able to eliminate certain vegetables from consideration. For instance, the low light on Mars does not lend itself well to growing plants that require full sun, which include favorites like tomatoes, beans, legumes, corn or many root plants. Carrots also don’t make the cut, as they tend to come out stunted in the claylike MSS. Potatoes largely don’t thrive in the simulant soil and low light conditions, but sweet potatoes do a little better.

The students found that dandelions would flourish on Mars and have significant benefits: they grow quickly, every part of the plant is edible, and they have high nutritional value. Other thriving plants include microgreens, lettuce, arugula, spinach, peas, garlic, kale and onions.

Conditions on Mars for humans, let alone farmers, are far from easy. The difficult planet certainly isn’t a natural home for us, and growing sustenance there would be a complicated task. That said, it’s not impossible, and it’s comforting to know that we could develop and maintain our own sources of food on a distant landscape. The possibility of growing hops and barley doesn’t hurt, either.

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/these-are-the-best-bee-friendly-flowers-to-plant-right-now2020-05-05T04:50:00-04:002020-05-05T04:50:23-04:00These Are The Best Bee-Friendly Flowers To Plant Right NowBestChoiceIndia Team
No matter what size patch you have – be it a windowsill, balcony or full-blown garden – we should all focus on increasing the amount of bee-friendly flowers in our outdoor spaces. The good news is, it doesn’t have to require a lot of effort.

Bees don’t know the difference between weeds and flowers, and the former are valuable food plants, so if you can bear it, leave the dandelions, clover and the lawn alone.

“All wild flowers and weeds are great for bees," says Britta Baranowsky ofThe Flowerfield, who grows seasonable and sustainable blooms in Tinahely, and who is chairperson of the Flower Farmers of Irelandassociation.

“But the list is really endless. My Iceland poppies are just starting to flower now and I’ve spotted lots of bees enjoying them already. If you sow them now, you will get flowers in late summer and again around now the following year.”

Generally speaking, think of flowers with multiple heads, like catmint, open-face blooms like cosmos and single-flower dahlias, as well as trailing clusters like wisteria.

Double flowers like roses, and flowers with long trumpets like fuchsia, shouldn't be a priority if you want to attract bees, as the pollen can be difficult to get at.

Although it’s best to have flowers and flowering trees all year in the garden, everyone has to start somewhere. In early summer, Britta says to look to "the whole mint family, as well as thyme, oregano, chives and the whole allium family".

Meanwhile, Fionnuala Fallon, the noted garden writer, who established a sustainably-managed flower farm (The Irish Flower Farmer) in Manor Kilbride with her photographer husband Richard Johnston in 2015, has plenty of space-dependent advice for pots, balconies and gardens.

Overall, she advises "to keep new plants well-watered, deadhead faded flowers regularly, protect against slugs, use a good-quality compost if you’re growing in pots or containers – a soil-based one is slower to dry out and is best for perennials and shrubs."

And to maintain, "Give container-grown plants regular liquid feeds of seaweed or tomato feed during the growing/ flowering season once they’re established." Below is Fionnuala's list, and do note that if there is an 'E' after the plant name, it means they are edible for you too.

For a balcony

"Floriferous, long-flowering, drought-tolerant, compact perennials such as the invaluable Mexican fleabane (Erigeron karvinskianus), which produces its clouds of tiny, daisy-like pink-white flowers for months on end, and the purple-flowered, ornamental oregano (Origanum ‘Rosenkuppel’)

For pots

All of the above, plus some fast-growing, floriferous annuals including cosmos (examples include the tall, white-flowered Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Purity’ and the more compact, ruby-red flowered Cosmos ‘Velouette’), both of which also make excellent cut-flowers.

Climbers such as common jasmine (Jasminum officinale), ivy (hedera) and honeysuckle (Lonicera)

Annuals such as borage, cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus), sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) and the super-fast growing Phacelia tanacetifolia – this is typically used as a green manure but if you let it flower, its silver-blue blooms are absolutely adored by pollinators.

Many trees and large shrubs are also an excellent source of nectar and pollen – examples include our native hawthorn, hazel, alder, rowan, crab apple, willow, horse chestnut, ornamental cherry, most fruit trees and common garden shrubs such as berberis, forsythia, potentilla, mahonia, viburnum and cotoneaster, but these are generally best planted between late autumn and early April."

via image.ie

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/vegan-ingredients-you-should-keep-in-your-pantry-during-the-pandemic2020-04-28T14:18:00-04:002020-04-28T14:22:58-04:00Vegan Ingredients You Should Keep In Your PantryBestChoiceIndia Team

Popping by our favourite farmer’s market or local grocer was a pleasure pre-pandemic, but since we’re currently trying to limit our excursions to essentials only, we’re planning ahead and stocking up on a vegan and/or vegetarian ingredients.

For those of us who are in the position to shop less frequently, a well thought-out pantry and fridge give us plenty to work with when it comes to meal prep, following recipes, or even having fun with our own creations.

Nut and nut butters

These are a great source of protein for vegetarian and vegan diets and have versatile uses in cooking and baking.

We love topping a multigrain toast or waffle with a thick spread of nut butter to add flavour and a pop of protein (check the label and look for one that has no sugar added).

No-bake desserts often call for a nut butter filling, and roasted nuts are tasty over grain bowls or salads.

Try making your own nut milk by soaking raw nuts overnight — blend with your own flavours (we like adding vanilla and cinnamon) and strain through a nut milk bag or cheese cloth.

Seeds (chia, flax, hemp, pumpkin)

Seeds, which are loaded with fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, are an easy way to amp up the nutritional value of almost any dish. We sprinkle hemp seeds (rich in essential fatty acids) on avocado toast and waffles, while chia seeds (loads of fibre, protein, fat, and calcium) can be added to coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla for an easy overnight pudding. Flax seeds can be ground and used as an egg replacement in baking, and pumpkin seeds taste great roasted and lightly salted over salads and pastas. Try using a blend of all of the above and whip up a batch of homemade granola.

Baking ingredients and mixes

We like to have baking essentials on hand for when the mood strikes us — practically speaking, a tray of 12 muffins covers several days of breakfasts or if you’re more of a cupcake person, plenty of tasty desserts.

To experiment with baking from scratch grab some flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sugar, and if you prefer the ease and convenience of a mix keep a couple of plant-based varieties on hand.

Hot tip for using pre-made mixes: check the instructions for additional ingredients — you may need to add an oil, a sweetener, and something to bind like a flax egg or an egg replacement.

Quality oils

A good quality oil can make even the simplest meals taste delicious; we’d consider an organic olive oil and a coconut oil to be among our favourite pantry staples.

Coconut oil can be used for both baking and savoury dishes and works well at a higher heat. Keep in mind that although it’s stored in solid form, it will melt at room temperature, so no-bake treats made with coconut oil need to be stored in the fridge.

A good olive oil turns a simple pasta into a delicious side with the addition of some black pepper and lemon.

Rice and pasta

We often prep a large batch of rice and keep portions in the fridge to use throughout the week for meals such as casseroles, fried rice dishes, and rice bowls. A whole grain or brown rice is quite nutritious and can be deliciously flavoured with kombu, or a splash of oil or vegan butter while cooking.

For extra iron we’ve also been adding iron fish to the water in our pots before the start of the cooking process.

Pasta is another one of our almost daily go-tos and we’re fond of the fortified variety (try chickpea or lentil) for adding extra nutrients and simplifying the steps to create a nutritious meal.

Maple syrup

It doesn’t get more Canadian than our love affair with maple syrup, but this sweet treat is nutritious and has many uses when it comes to cooking.

Nutritional yeast

One of the best sources of B vitamins for vegans and vegetarians, nutritional yeast adds cheesy flavour to a multitude of dishes. We add a heaping handful to pasta and stir it in with olive oil, and sea salt. Top that with a sprig of basil and some seasonal sprouts and you’ve got a yummy meal in minutes!

Nutritional yeast is the main ingredient in many plant-based cheese sauces, and makes a tasty topping for popcorn when mixed with a little oil and salt. Try it as a condiment to add a sprinkle of flavour to veggies like broccoli and spinach.

Tempeh and tofu

Tempeh and tofu are among our go-to meat alternatives, as they absorb flavour and can be prepared in a variety of ways — we try to choose organic and non-GMO where possible.

We lean towards tempeh as a preference, since the fermentation helps maintain balance in our bellies, and it works as a superb stand-in for bacon marinated in some tamari and pan fried until crispy.

Dried herbs and seasonings

Dried herbs add so much taste to simple meals, so we keep many on hand including savoury go-tos for dinner prep like basil, parsley, and a seaweed blend.

Cinnamon is our daily go-to for baking and breakfasts, while turmeric is a must have for immune-boosting golden milk and tonics. Sea salt, pink Himalayan salt, and black pepper are also excellent pantry staples.

Chickpeas and lentils

Chickpeas are a great staple because they’re a good source of protein. We use them in stews, to make hummus and roasted with a little sea salt to top salads or as a snack.

Lentils are another favourite — they’re often used as a meat substitute in burgers or tacos and are lovely in hearty soups.

﻿﻿

Damaged people are dangerous, they know they can survive

You´ve probably been through tough times and that´s why you liked this quote. But lets be honest, it´s also very catchy. Because it would give your pain meaning and it would make you feel as someone not to mess with. But just because the quote is catchy doesn’t mean it’s valid. So is this quote actually deep and insightful or is it just a phony quote that gets a ton of likes on social media; is it true or not?

So what are damaged people exactly? Well No one comes out of life without a few scars, and even the cool kids have demons. But some people have faced challenges that have truly changed and damaged them in ways that aren't fixed by youtube videos or articles on the internet. Being damaged means to everyone something different, but in general these type people have experienced some form of extreme hardships in their lives but they managed to get out of it. Some might say that they're are people who have died and came back to life with a brighter vision.. And because they know life´s ups and downs so well, they usually show a great amount of empathy for other people. For example, we all know of an elder like for example your grandpa or grandma that has been through a lot, but still manages to be happy and grateful for life and we all wonder; how?! Well, because of they’ve seen it all and still choose love.

On the other side of the equation, not everybody that has experienced difficult times comes out a better person. We have to remember, damaged people are damaged. Many people who are considered to be damaged actually suffer from trauma and sometimes even mental illness.

Some seek therapy for this, others look for ways to cope with the situation in different ways that might not always be helpful in the long run. For example, getting into bad relationships, substance abuse or isolating themselves from their friends and family. Usually damaged people try their best to not get hurt again or minimize the pain that they’re feeling.

So what can we learn from damaged people ourselves. I believe that the biggest thing that we can learn from damaged people is to learn the lessons from their hardships and study the consequences of their suffering.

So first of all, study the people who have experienced tremendous hardships in their life, but came out a stronger person. You can learn how they handled the situation, what their mindset was, but also how much emotional capital it cost them. You can sometimes see in people’s eyes how their life has been.

It’s hard to explain, but I’m pretty sure you know what I’m talking about. For example if you look into the eyes of David Goggins, you can just see that he´s been through a lot. But you can also see his fierceness and his determination and discipline. There’s plenty of people who have written amazing biographies about their lives where they share their mental tactics and advice on how to deal with pain.

However, even though I believe that tough times create stronger people, we also need to remind ourselves that we don’t have to go through similar experiences in order to achieve the same results.

People love stories about how someone who had everything against them but still managed to become a successful and happy person. These rag to riches stories, sometimes glorify the pain this person endured in order to become successful. Pain or a level of discomfort is definitely needed to attain some level of success, but you need to know yourself well enough how much you personally can tolerate.

Pain can be for some people a motivator to get better, but for others it can make their life miserable. You should always evaluate your own skills and mindset whether you belong to the first or the latter category. And if you’re in the latter, then you first need to research how you can actually deal with pain, before you set big goals and create these high expectations for yourself and ultimately end up achieving none of them. This way your self-esteem gets damaged, and you’re worse off than when you started.

So is the quote damaged people are dangerous, because they know they can survive true or not?

I can definitely understand why many people can relate to this quote as it’s a very empowering message. It basically means that no matter how much shit life throws at you, you’ll rise again. It’s definitely true that there are people who’ve experienced difficult times and are now not afraid anymore of the risks of life since they’ve seen and learned so much.

However, it’s dangerous to identify with this quote when you’re for example young and haven’t really experienced that much. It could lead to inappropriate trust in yourself, that no matter how bad you get messed up, you’ll still overcome it. That’s why I would judge this quote as false, because it oversimplifies a nuanced message. With that said do you think of this quote? Is it true or not? Also, if you have any quotes you want me to review, let me know in the comments below.

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Tiktok; 100% Suffering (meat) – pig scene

100% Plants meat- plants scene

Tiktok 2; your food grown vs my food grown

Popping by our favourite farmer’s market or local grocer was a pleasure pre-pandemic, but since we’re currently trying to limit our excursions to essentials only, we’re planning ahead and stocking up on a vegan and/or vegetarian ingredients.

For those of us who are in the position to shop less frequently, a well thought-out pantry and fridge give us plenty to work with when it comes to meal prep, following recipes, or even having fun with our own creations.

Nut and nut butters

These are a great source of protein for vegetarian and vegan diets and have versatile uses in cooking and baking.

We love topping a multigrain toast or waffle with a thick spread of nut butter to add flavour and a pop of protein (check the label and look for one that has no sugar added).

No-bake desserts often call for a nut butter filling, and roasted nuts are tasty over grain bowls or salads.

Try making your own nut milk by soaking raw nuts overnight — blend with your own flavours (we like adding vanilla and cinnamon) and strain through a nut milk bag or cheese cloth.

Seeds (chia, flax, hemp, pumpkin)

Seeds, which are loaded with fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, are an easy way to amp up the nutritional value of almost any dish. We sprinkle hemp seeds (rich in essential fatty acids) on avocado toast and waffles, while chia seeds (loads of fibre, protein, fat, and calcium) can be added to coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla for an easy overnight pudding.

Flax seeds can be ground and used as an egg replacement in baking, and pumpkin seeds taste great roasted and lightly salted over salads and pastas. Try using a blend of all of the above and whip up a batch of homemade granola.

Baking ingredients and mixes

We like to have baking essentials on hand for when the mood strikes us — practically speaking, a tray of 12 muffins covers several days of breakfasts or if you’re more of a cupcake person, plenty of tasty desserts.

To experiment with baking from scratch grab some flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sugar, and if you prefer the ease and convenience of a mix keep a couple of plant-based varieties on hand.

Hot tip for using pre-made mixes: check the instructions for additional ingredients — you may need to add an oil, a sweetener, and something to bind like a flax egg or an egg replacement.

Quality oils

A good quality oil can make even the simplest meals taste delicious; we’d consider an organic olive oil and a coconut oil to be among our favourite pantry staples.

Coconut oil can be used for both baking and savoury dishes and works well at a higher heat. Keep in mind that although it’s stored in solid form, it will melt at room temperature, so no-bake treats made with coconut oil need to be stored in the fridge.

A good olive oil turns a simple pasta into a delicious side with the addition of some black pepper and lemon.

Rice and pasta

We often prep a large batch of rice and keep portions in the fridge to use throughout the week for meals such as casseroles, fried rice dishes, and rice bowls. A whole grain or brown rice is quite nutritious and can be deliciously flavoured with kombu, or a splash of oil or vegan butter while cooking.

For extra iron we’ve also been adding iron fish to the water in our pots before the start of the cooking process.

Pasta is another one of our almost daily go-tos and we’re fond of the fortified variety (try chickpea or lentil) for adding extra nutrients and simplifying the steps to create a nutritious meal.

Maple syrup

It doesn’t get more Canadian than our love affair with maple syrup, but this sweet treat is nutritious and has many uses when it comes to cooking.

Nutritional yeast

One of the best sources of B vitamins for vegans and vegetarians, nutritional yeast adds cheesy flavour to a multitude of dishes. We add a heaping handful to pasta and stir it in with olive oil, and sea salt. Top that with a sprig of basil and some seasonal sprouts and you’ve got a yummy meal in minutes!

Nutritional yeast is the main ingredient in many plant-based cheese sauces, and makes a tasty topping for popcorn when mixed with a little oil and salt. Try it as a condiment to add a sprinkle of flavour to veggies like broccoli and spinach.

Tempeh and tofu

Tempeh and tofu are among our go-to meat alternatives, as they absorb flavour and can be prepared in a variety of ways — we try to choose organic and non-GMO where possible.

We lean towards tempeh as a preference, since the fermentation helps maintain balance in our bellies, and it works as a superb stand-in for bacon marinated in some tamari and pan fried until crispy.

Dried herbs and seasonings

Dried herbs add so much taste to simple meals, so we keep many on hand including savoury go-tos for dinner prep like basil, parsley, and a seaweed blend.

Cinnamon is our daily go-to for baking and breakfasts, while turmeric is a must have for immune-boosting golden milk and tonics. Sea salt, pink Himalayan salt, and black pepper are also excellent pantry staples.

Chickpeas and lentils

Chickpeas are a great staple because they’re a good source of protein. We use them in stews, to make hummus and roasted with a little sea salt to top salads or as a snack.

Lentils are another favourite — they’re often used as a meat substitute in burgers or tacos and are lovely in hearty soups.

﻿via huffingtonpost.ca

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/factory-farms-are-breeding-grounds-for-pandemics2020-04-20T14:09:00-04:002020-04-20T14:10:06-04:00Factory Farms Are Breeding Grounds For Pandemicskrishan kalpoe
Imagine that while your country practised social distancing, your neighbouring country responded to Covid-19 by packing citizens into gymnasiums by the tens of thousands. Imagine if, in addition, they instituted genetic and pharmaceutical interventions that helped their citizens maintain productivity under such adverse conditions, even though this had the unfortunate side effect of devastating their immune systems. And to complete this dystopian vision, imagine if your neighbours simultaneously reduced their number of doctors tenfold. Such actions would radically increase death rates not only within their country, but yours. Pathogens do not respect national boundaries. They are not Spanish or Chinese.

Pathogens do not respect species boundaries, either. Influenza and coronaviruses move fluidly between human and animal populations, just as they move fluidly between nations. When it comes to pandemics, there is not animal health and human health – not any more than there is Korean health and French health. Social distancing works only when everyone practises it, and “everyone” includes animals.

The meat that we eat today overwhelmingly comes from genetically uniform, immunocompromised, and regularly drugged animals lodged by the tens of thousands into buildings or stacked cages – no matter how the meat is labelled. We know this, and most of us would strongly prefer it be otherwise. But we would prefer a lot of things in the world that aren’t so and, for most of us, the future of animal farming is low on our list of priorities, especially now. It is understandable to be most concerned with oneself. The problem is, we aren’t doing a good job of being selfish.

We don’t yet know the full history of the emergence of Covid-19, the particular strain of coronavirus that now threatens us. But with recent pandemic virus threats from influenza viruses such asH1N1 (swine flu)orH5N1 (bird flu)there is no ambiguity: those viruses evolved on chicken and pig factory farms. Genetic analyses have shown that crucial components of H1N1 emerged from a virus circulating in North American pigs. But it is commercial poultry operations that appear to be the Silicon Valley of viral development.

It is on chicken factory farms that we have most frequently found viruses that have mutated from a form found only in animals into a form that harms humans (what scientists call “antigenic shift”). It is these “novel” viruses that our immune systems are unfamiliar with and that can prove most deadly.

Of16 strainsof novel influenza viruses currently identified by the CDC as “of special concern,” including H5N1, 11 come from viruses of the H5 or H7 type. In 2018 a group of scientists analysed the 39 antigenic shifts, also called “conversion events,” that we know played a key role in the emergence of these particularly dangerous strains. Theirresultsprove that “all but two of these events were reported in commercial poultry production systems”.

Imagine if our military leaders told us that almost every terrorist in recent memory had spent time in the same training camp, but no politician would call for an investigation of the training camp. Imagine if we knew that those terrorists were developing weapons more destructive than any that has been used, or tested, in human history. This is our situation when it comes to pandemics and farming.

The United States CDC is the abbreviation for an agency whose name is actually the Centers for Disease Controland Prevention.We droppreventionfrom the acronym, which is innocent enough. But we also tend to drop serious discussion of prevention in favour of tactics for responding once pandemics hit. This is understandable – especially in the midst of a pandemic – but recklessly dangerous. We are preoccupied with the production of face masks, but we appear unconcerned with the farms that are producing pandemics. The world is burning and we are reaching for more fire extinguishers while gasoline soaks through the tinder at our feet.

To reduce risk of pandemics for ourselves, our gaze needs to turn to the health of animals. In the case of wild animal populations, such as the bats that scientists have theorised as a probable origination point for Covid-19, the best solution seems to be to limit and regulate human interaction. Much has rightly been written on this and, slowly and unevenly, policies seem to be moving in the right direction. As it became established that a number of people contracted the virus after visiting a wet market in Wuhan, where the virus likely passed through humans from bats via an intermediate host, China shut down 19,000 wildlife-farming operations and banned meat from wild animals at wet markets.

In the case of farmed animals, though, the lack of public understanding has allowed unscrupulous corporations to move policy in exactly the wrong direction. Across the globe, corporations have succeeded in creating policies that use public resources to promote industrial farming. Onestudysuggests that the public is providing $1m per minute in global farm subsidies, overwhelmingly used to prop up and expand the current broken model. The same $1m a minute that promotes factory farming also increases pandemic risk.

In the US, the death rate for Covid-19 has been less than 2%, but had this been, say, H5N1 the death rate would be far higher – the CDC reports a60% death rate. After a spike of H5N1 deaths in 2017, the virus’s spread subsided for reasons that remain unclear. Should we be relieved?Nancy Cox,who led CDC’s influenza operations for more than two decades, has emphasised: “We don’t know how the story’s going to end.” H5N1’s failure to reach pandemic proportions simply means we have a terrorist kicking around who is just one small viral mutation away from obtaining the equivalent of a nuclear arsenal.

The implications of a 1-2% death rate are all around us: half of the world is living under stay-at-home orders, children don’t go to school, hospitals are running out of life-saving equipment, we are facing a generational financial depression, and the funeral services that have traditionally allowed us at least to mourn together are being (rightfully) banned. Can we extrapolate the implications of a 60% death rate in our imaginations? That would be a 30-fold increase over our current situation. What if the next pandemic didn’t spare children? The death rate for children infected with H5N1 approaches 50%. How does it feel if you imagine one person you love a coin toss away from a horrible death? Try imagining if half of everyone you know who had the flu last year was now dying. If you have children, how many of them had the flu last year? Force yourself to imagine these things then ask yourself: how much would it be worth sacrificing now to avoid that happening?

via theguardian.com

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/coronavirus-gorillas-and-orangutans-on-lockdown-to-avoid-catching-covid-19-from-humans2020-04-13T12:52:00-04:002020-04-13T12:56:34-04:00Coronavirus: Gorillas and orangutans on lockdownkrishan kalpoeSanctuaries for great apes including for gorillas and orangutans are among those which have closed amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

The closures aren’t only to protect humans visiting in groups, but also for the animals themselves, which may be vulnerable to the virus.

Countries home to gorillas including Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have all temporarily suspended gorilla tourism and severely restricted access to the parks, according to the organisation Gorilla Doctors, which provides veterinary care in these countries.

Furthermore, all staff must now wear masks during health checks of the primates, all people entering parks must have their temperatures checked, and boots must be disinfected.

Though a tiger in captivity in New York tested positive for Covid-19, the disease is not known to have spread to gorillas.

In a joint email to The Independent, Dr Ilka Herbinger from the WWF and Dr Fabian Leendertz, an expert in the epidemiology of highly pathogenic microorganisms at the Robert Koch-Institute in Berlin, said it was vital to protect primates from Covid-19.

“The virus is very infectious - it gets to every corner of the world. We have documented transmission of various human respiratory viruses to wild gorilla, chimpanzee and bonobo, so it is known that this happens.

“We must avoid transmission of [the coronavirus] to the great apes since it may have a detrimental effect. However, we don’t know as of yet if this virus will cause mild or severe symptoms in great apes.

“We must apply the precautionary principle, as all great apes are already highly endangered in their survival due to habitat loss, poaching and diseases.”

In a social media post, Gorilla Doctors said: “Our work continues in the face of Covid-19. Even with extraordinary lockdown measures in place, the governments of Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo recognise the critical importance of our gorilla health monitoring.

“Our veterinary staff have received special permission to perform their work in spite of country-wide travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders to fight the spread of Covid-19.”

Sanctuaries for orangutans in Borneo have also been closed to protect the endangered animals from the outbreak.

Professor of primate biology Serge Wich, of John Moores University Liverpool, told The Independent the risks differed somewhat for orangutans and gorillas.

Asked about gorillas in central African countries he said: “Gorillas are largely terrestrial in those countries and often come in relative close contact with tourists and researchers.

“At present tourism has been halted to reduce risk. Researchers have clear protocols to maintain distance which are part of their general procedures. This should all help to reduce risk of transmission. But of course there are also other people entering these forests to collect wood, etc, so that still poses a risk as well.”

Dr Steve Unwin, a specialist in zoo health management and lecturer in biosystems and environmental change at the University of Birmingham told The Independent an estimated 40 per cent of pathogens are known to be transferable from humans and apes, and as such, strict measures are necessary.

He said: “All NGO and governmental sites involved in captive orangutan management… are taking the precautionary principle route and have stopped all but the most needed veterinary and welfare care of the animals under their care.”

But he said relevant research into respiratory disease in orangutans is pending publication.

“Before [Covid-19] hit, research had begun on pathogenic risk factors in respiratory disease in orangutans. Biosecurity measures were already in place at sites - similar to how good zoos operate - to be better able to assess the real risks from the assumed. That process is ongoing and not yet published.”

The experts also warned the fall in tourism due to the virus could eventually impact protections for great apes.

Professor Wich said: “It could lead to a shortfall for national park authorities but could also have a negative impact on local communities that benefit from tourism as well as owners of hotels and lodges. If those people need to look for alternative sources of income that could increase risk.

“In general a reduction of income due to a lack or reduction of tourism could lead to a decrease in patrols. But countries with great apes are committed to their protection so I trust they will do their utmost to continue protecting them and that is also what we hear from the field where essential patrols seem to continue even under these difficult circumstances. But at some stage financial support might be needed to continue this.”

Dr Herbinger and Dr Leendert added the virus was now “a major threat for projects which rely mainly on income from the tourism industry.”

“We are trying on multiple fronts to organise emergency funding to projects to survive these difficult times. There is great need to continue paying staff, provide continued protection to habituated great ape populations and keep anti-poaching patrols going,” they said.

Via independent.co.uk

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/new-vegan-egg-to-replace-chicken-eggs2020-03-31T14:18:00-04:002020-03-31T14:21:02-04:00New Vegan Egg To Replace Chicken EggsBestChoiceIndia TeamClara Foodsplans to debut its innovative vegan egg white replacer this year. The company spentfive years developing the ingredient—which is made through yeast fermentation—and it will be incorporated into protein drinks and supplements, replacing animal-derived egg whites. In 2021, the company will release a vegan egg replacer that could be used in baked goods and other foods. “I don’t think there has been a better time in history to be an ingredients company focused on developing animal-free products,” Clara Foods CEO Arturo Elizondo toldFood Dive. “Ultimately for us, our number one goal is to have the biggest impact possible, and we can do that by working with food and beverage companies who really want to stay on top of their game.”

Last year,Clara Foods closed a $40 million funding roundled by global ingredient provider Ingredion, a partnership the company plans to use to explore ways to make its products cheaper than their animal counterparts with the ultimate mission of decoupling proteins from the animals that produce them.

﻿via vegnews.com

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/joaquin-phoenix-saves-new-born-calf-from-slaughterhouse2020-03-22T14:50:00-04:002020-03-22T14:54:06-04:00Joaquin Phoenix Saves New-Born Calf From SlaughterhouseChristine BanayosJokeractor, Joaquin Phoenix, doesn’t just talk about the need to show compassion to animals and change the agricultural food industry, heacts upon his wordsand saves lives trapped in the system.

Less than two days after winning the Academy Award for Best Actor – and hisnow-famous acceptance speechcondemning the dairy industry – Joaquin Phoenix helpedLos Angeles Animal Saveto rescue two cows, a mother and her new-born calf from a local slaughterhouse.

Joaquin named the mother cow, Liberty, and her daughter, Indigo, and the pair now live happily atFarm Animal Sanctuary’sActon location in northern L.A. County.

Liberty gave birth in the holding area of Manning Beef in Pico Rivera, CA. They are the fifth bovine mother and child rescued from Manning Beef by L.A. Animal Save, the grassroots group that holds peaceful vigils at area slaughterhouses – Joaquin is a regular attendee.

Phoenix was joined at the slaughterhouse by his fiancée and fellow activist, Rooney Mara, as well as both their mothers,Earthlingsdirector Shaun Monson (who filmed the rescue), L.A. Animal Save founder, Amy Jean Davis, and Farm Sanctuary president and co-founder, Gene Baur.

‘We Must Celebrate The Victories’

“I never thought I’d find friendship in a slaughterhouse,” Phoenix says, “But meeting Anthony [president/CEO of Manning Beef] and opening my heart to his, I realise we might have more in common than we do differences. Without his act of kindness, Liberty and her baby calf, Indigo, would have met a terrible demise.”

“Although we will continue to fight for the liberation of all animals who suffer in these oppressive systems, we must take pause to acknowledge and celebrate the victories, and the people who helped achieve them.

“Shaun Monson, Amy Jean Davis, and the entire LA Animal Save community, have taken their pain of bearing witness and turned it into effective, diplomatic advocacy for the voiceless. As a result, Liberty and Indigo will never experience cruelty or the touch of a rough hand.”

“My hope is, as we watch baby Indigo grow up with her mum Liberty at Farm Sanctuary, that we’ll always remember that friendships can emerge in the most unexpected places; and no matter our differences, kindness and compassion should rule everything around us.”

‘Liberty Has A Chance’

Amy Jean Davis also comments: “As a new mother myself, I immediately understood the profound bond between this mother cow and her calf, a bond all of us have with our babies.”

“Unlike most mothers in the modern food system, Liberty will have the chance to raise her baby Indigo, instead of being separated and killed by the meat and dairy industry. I’m so thankful to Joaquin for his help saving them from slaughter.”

﻿via veganlifemag.com

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/london-brand-creates-vegan-leather-from-mangoes2020-03-11T16:57:00-04:002020-03-11T16:59:21-04:00London Brand Creates Vegan Leather From MangoesAshish Talreja
This month, London-based fashion brand Luxtra will debut its new collection of vegan and cruelty-free handbags made from mango-based leather. Created in collaboration with Dutch company FruitLeather Rotterdam, the new material is derived from leftover mangoes sourced from fruit markets that would otherwise be thrown away. The mangos are mashed and boiled (which eliminates bacteria) and then spread out in sheets to dry. Compared to animal-based leather, using mangoes to create a similar material reduces food waste, requires fewer resources to produce, and is also more ethical as it does not involve animal cruelty. This is not the first time Luxtra has incorporated food waste materials into its designs. Luxtra’s previous collections have featured Piñatex leather made from pineapples and Frumat leather made from apples. Other brands have used food waste in their materials to meet the demand for more sustainable and cruelty-free fashion items. Earlier this year, retail giant H&M unveiled its Conscious Collection featuringVegea, a vegan leather made in Italy from waste byproducts of the wine industry. And last year, British brand The Original Satchel Store became an all-vegan company by replacing leather with Piñatex.

Via vegnews.com

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/joaquin-phoenix-urges-people-to-go-vegan2020-02-03T15:35:00-05:002020-02-03T15:35:07-05:00Joaquin Phoenix Urges People To 'Go Vegan'krishan kalpoe
Oscar and Bafta nomineeJoaquin Phoenixhas made a plea for people to “go vegan” as he led an animal equality protest in central London.

The actor gathered activists for a protest where he dropped a 390-square-foot banner from Tower Bridge that declared: “Factory farming destroys our planet. Go vegan.”

The protest was held ahead of Sunday’s Bafta award ceremony, where he is nominated for best lead actor prize for Joker.

It is the latest protest campaign by the staunch animal rights activist, who has been a vegan since he was three.

After the protest, Phoenix, 45, responded to mounting criticism that people such as actors who work in glamourous industries are not in a position to preach about the climate crisis because they live in a world of frequent flights and high carbon footprints. “We are all hypocrites in some ways. We all struggle with what the right thing to do is and we make mistakes.

“The industry does consume a lot of power and a lot of resources so the way to mitigate that for me is to maintain a vegan lifestyle.”

Phoenix had convinced the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which runs the Golden Globes, to serve its first all-vegan menu at the ceremony last month.

He said: “I think that is part of our appeal to the award ceremonies because there are so many people flying in to the awards and the cars they use – the one thing they can do is to make the meal plant-based.

“Instead of being judgmental and attacking each other, we should try to help each other and educate each other about how we can change,” he said.

“There are many improvements I can make in my own life and I am trying to do that.”

Phoenix attended the protest in support ofAnimal Equality, an international organisation that works with society, governments and companies to try and end cruelty to farmed animals.

The red carpet itself will be recycled and the international stars walking it, such as nominees Brad Pitt, Bong Joon-ho and Charlize Theron, are being encouraged to offset the carbon that will be expended getting them to the event.

G

uests are also being encouraged to opt for more planet-friendly fashion choices by wearing something they already own, renting an outfit, wearing vintage – or opting for a sustainable designer such as Stella McCartney. Bafta is working with the London College of Fashion’s Centre of Sustainability to offer advice to guests on dressing more sustainably.

Single-use plastic will also be banned from the event and the goody bags, usually filled with luxury items, will be replaced by a “gifting wallet” made of recycled plastic. The meal served at the ceremony will include a vegan starter and pudding, the implication being, however, that the main course will remain non-vegan.

“Like everyone, we are increasingly concerned about the impact of climate change,” said Bafta chair Pippa Harris, “and it just feels like we can no longer do nothing. That is just not acceptable.”

﻿Via theguardian.com

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/oscars-pre-party-to-serva-all-vegan-menu2020-01-19T08:01:00-05:002020-01-19T08:02:00-05:00Oscars Pre-Party To Serva All-Vegan Menukrishan kalpoe
On February 7, an Oscars pre-party hosted at a private residence by William Morris Endeavor Entertainment (WME)—a talent agency that represents 2020 Oscar nominee for best actor Joaquin Phoenix—will treat guests to an all-vegan menu. The menu represents the first time that a talent agency has served exclusively plant-based food at a pre-Oscars party and will be catered by Nic’s on Beverly, a Los Angeles restaurant founded by Nic Adler—the culinary director of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. A representative from Nic’s told VegNews that the menu will feature burgers, spaghetti and meatballs (made from a blend of Beyond Meat and Impossible Meat), and potentially falafel sliders, avocado tacos, and a “chinois” salad (a dish on Nic’s restaurant menu). Expected guests include WME clients and other high-profile Hollywood elite such as directors Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Bong Joon Ho, and actors Charlize Theron, Jonathan Pryce, and Florence Pugh. While the actual Academy Awards ceremony has yet to release its menu, other shows have completely removed animal products from their menus during this year’s ceremonies, including the Golden Globes, the Critics’ Choice Awards, and this weekend’s Screen Actors Guild Awards—actions that have garnered Phoenix’s praise.

﻿Via vegnews.com

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/ethical-veganism-is-philosophical-belief-tribunal-rules2020-01-05T14:43:00-05:002020-01-05T14:43:38-05:00Ethical Veganism Is Philosophical Belief, Tribunal RulesBestChoiceIndia Collaborator
Ethical veganism is a "philosophical belief" and so is protected in law, a tribunal has ruled for the first time.

The landmark legal case was brought by vegan Jordi Casamitjana, who claims he was sacked by the League Against Cruel Sports because of his ethical veganism.

His former employer says he was dismissed for gross misconduct.

The judge ruled that ethical vegans should be entitled to similar legal protections in British workplaces as those who hold religious beliefs.

He is yet to rule on Mr Casamitjana's dismissal - which is due at a later date.

Mr Casamitjana, 55, who lives in London, said he was "extremely happy" with the ruling - which is ongoing - adding that he hopes fellow vegans "will benefit".

The tribunal centres on his claim that he was sacked by the animal welfare charity League Against Cruel Sports after disclosing it invested pension funds in firms involved in animal testing.

Mr Casamitjana says when he drew his bosses' attention to the pension fund investments, they did nothing so he informed colleagues and was sacked as a result.

The League Against Cruel Sports says it is "factually wrong" to link Mr Casamitjana's dismissal to his veganism. The charity did not contest that ethical veganism should be protected.

A vegan is someone who does not eat or use animal products.

Some people choose to simply follow a vegan diet - that is, a plant-based diet avoiding all animal products such as dairy, eggs, honey, meat and fish.

But ethical vegans try to exclude all forms of animal exploitation from their lifestyle. For instance, they avoid wearing or buying clothing made from wool or leather, or toiletries from companies that carry out animal testing.

"Religion or belief" is one of nine "protected characteristics" covered by the Equality Act 2010.

The judge Robin Postle ruled that ethical veganism qualifies as a philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010 by satisfying several tests - including that it is worthy of respect in a democratic society, not incompatible with human dignity and not conflicting with the fundamental rights of others.

At the tribunal in Norwich on Friday, the judge said in his ruling that ethical veganism was "important" and "worthy" of respect in a democratic society.

It shared the news via an Instagram post after the plant-based product was spotted in stores.

The 'Vegan Chocksticks' are available in Almond or Dark Chocolate flavor and retail at £1.49 for a three-pack.

Vegan Magnums

Australian farmers branded the vegan Magnum 'a problem for the dairy industry' - arguing that it was 'incorrectly marketed as a dairy product'.

"This is becoming an increasing problem for the dairy industry, with plant-based alternatives incorrectly being marketed as milk or other products associated with dairy," a spokesperson for Australian Dairy Farmers said.

"[Magnum] made a commercial decision to introduce a vegan addition to their Magnum product line to satisfy a very vocal community … it is misleading to call this product an ice-cream."

But according to a Unilever spokesperson, the Magnum has never been marketed as ice-cream - but as an 'iced confection'.

﻿via plantbasednews.org

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/beyond-meat-is-developing-plant-based-bacon-and-steak-alternatives2019-12-16T14:59:00-05:002019-12-16T15:01:48-05:00Beyond Meat Is Developing Plant-Based Bacon And Steak AlternativesBestChoiceIndia Collaborator
The company behind the vegan burger that’s taking the world by storm thanks to its realistic beef burger taste and texture, Beyond Meat, has revealed its working on the development of two new plant-based innovations – plant-based bacon and steak.

Whilst there is no launch date for the new products, CEO Ethan Brown toldCNNthat the company’s research team would need a “surprise breakthrough” to launch the bacon alternative in the near future, but said that the taste and texture of the product is improving as it goes through the development process.

The new products are being developed as part of the company’s long-term strategy to create a range of realistic plant-based meat alternatives that are free from soy, gluten and GMO’s as well as being kinder to animals and the planet.

Speaking about the new products currently in development, Brown toldCNN Businessthat the new additions are “important as we build out the portfolio.”

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/80-of-the-top-meat-producers-are-now-making-vegan-food2019-12-08T12:28:00-05:002019-12-09T00:16:56-05:0080% Of The Top Meat Producers Are Now Making Vegan Foodkrishan kalpoe
Most of the top meat producers in the United States are exploring plant-based protein. Eight of the top 10 processors — including JBS, Tyson, and Cargill — are making or investing in vegan meat.

Last year, the National Provisioner released a list of the top 100 meat and poultry processors in the U.S. The results were based on net sales.

‘If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em’

The top spot was held by JBS, the world’s largest meat producer. Earlier this year,JBSbegan selling a plant-based burger in Brazil under its Seara brand. The patty is made from soy, wheat, garlic, onion, and beetroot.

The move was a first for JBS. The decision to launch the vegan product in Brazil is notable, too; the country exported 1.64 million tonnes of beef last year, making it the world’s leading exporter of beef.

Tyson Foods ranked at number two on the top 10 list. Tyson has invested in plant-based meat brand Beyond Meat and lab-grown meat brands Memphis Meats and Future Meat Technologies. For the latter, Tyson handed over $2.2 million. Justin Whitmore — Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Chief Sustainability Officer of Tyson Foods — commented that Tyson is“excited about this opportunity to broaden our exposure to innovative, new ways of producing protein.”

“We continue to invest significantly in our traditional meat business but also believe in exploring additional opportunities for growth that give consumers more choices,” he added.

Tysonis going further than investments though. The major meat company plans on rolling out a line of vegan products later this year. The move is an effort to keep up with“changing consumer demands,” the company said. Former CEO of Tyson once said about the vegan movement:“If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em, right?”

Cargill Meat Solutions was placed at the third spot on the meat producer list. Cargill controls more than 20 percent of America’s domestic meat market and is the largest poultry producer in Thailand. Earlier this year, Cargill invested in cellular agriculture company Aleph Farms, which makes slaughter-free clean meat. Cargill has also invested in Memphis Meats and vegan protein company Puris.

Premium Vegan Protein

Sysco — which was ranked fourth — is the world’s largest foodservice distributor. It produces boxed beef, ground beef, fresh pork, veal, and lamb, to name a few. But in May, Sysco announced a new venture: a plant-based line called Sysco Simply. The line includes vegan meatballs, almond milk, the Beyond Sausage, and cauliflower pizza crust.

At number five, Smithfield Foods is the world’s largest pork producer. It recently unveiled its first vegan range, Pure Farmland. The range features plant-based burgers, ground beef, meatballs, and breakfast patties.

Hormel Foods, ranked the sixth-largest meat processor, launched a vegan meat range called Happy Little Plants. Its flagship product is soy-based ground beef that boasts 20 grams of protein per serving. Jim Splinter — group vice president of corporate strategy at Hormel Foods — said the launch was an effort to“align with today’s dynamic marketplace.”

Perdue Farms, claiming the eighth spot, has a goal of adding vegan protein to its range.“Our vision is to be the most trusted name in premium protein. It doesn’t say premium meat protein, just premium protein. That’s where consumers are going,” company chairman Jim Perdue said to IndustryWeek. The 98-year-old meat company is“exploring multiple options”within the plant-based scene.

At number 10 is ConAgra, which specializes in fresh and cured sausages. In 2000, ConAgra bought plant-based meat brand Lightlife before selling it some years later. In 2018, ConAgra acquired Gardein, producer of vegan chicken, seafood, pork, and beef. ConAgra also owns frozen food company Birds Eye. Earlier this year, Birds Eye launched its first vegan meat range in the UK. The line, called Green Cuisine, offers plant-based burger patties, meatballs, and sausages. In July, Birds Eye launched a £2 million vegan meat ad campaign.

Full article via livekindly.co

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/do-you-need-to-take-supplements-on-a-vegan-diet2019-11-17T11:55:00-05:002019-11-17T18:25:52-05:00Do You Need To Take Supplements On A Vegan Diet?krishan kalpoe
Vegans tend to get poor press when it comes to nutrition. But vitamin deficiency is not a problem exclusive to those who eat plant-based. It can happen to anyone who is not getting enough variety in their diet. Many people — vegan or not — opt for supplements to boost their vitamin intake.

What Is A Nutrient Deficiency?

Nearly 10 percent of Americans have a nutritional deficiency, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the UK, NHS England has referred to malnutrition as a “common problem” that affects millions.

Nutritional deficiencies occur when the body isn’t getting enough of a certain vitamin or mineral. Deficiencies can cause a number of health problems; they can stunt growth, cause hair loss, and even contribute to serious medical conditions, like dementia.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, affecting more than 25 percent of people. Severe iron deficiency can cause anemia, which can lead to heart problems, issues during pregnancy, such as premature births, and delayed growth and development in children.

Vitamin D deficiency is also common, as is B12 and calcium deficiency. One study found that fewer than 15 percent of teenage girls and fewer than 22 percent of teenage boys in the U.S. have enough calcium in their diet.

Can We Get Enough Vitamins From Food?

The best way to get vitamins and minerals into the body is through food — but that is not always as simple as it sounds.

Vegetables grown decades ago were richer in vitamins and minerals than they are today. Rising levels ofCO2in the atmosphere can impact a plant’s overall chemical composition or its “ionome.” This can lead to lower concentrations of important vitamins and minerals. Soil erosion, caused by intensive agricultural methods, has also led to nutrient loss in staple crops.

It’s not just crops that have changed. Diets have, too. The Standard American Diet began in the mid-1900s. Calorie-dense and nutrient-poor foods became mass-produced and easily-accessible. Nowadays, processed food is everywhere. Fast-food joints are on every corner, selling burgers loaded with bacon and cheese, fries, and sugary soft drinks. These types of food can pose serious health risks.

While the nutrient quality of fruits and vegetables has decreased over time, this doesn’t mean you should give up on them. Following a balanced, whole food-based plant-based diet is still considered by many as one of the healthiest ways to eat.

According to American physician and author Dr. Michael Greger, following a balanced vegan diet may help to prevent many causes of early death. Greger promotes the increased consumption of plant-based foods — especially greens, berries, legumes, flaxseeds, and turmeric.He told Fox Business Network, “some of our leading killers can be reversed. For example, heart disease, the number one killer of men and women — arteries can be opened, heart disease reversed without drugs, without surgery, just a healthy enough diet centered around whole plant foods,” the doctor continued.

“There’s only one diet that’s ever been proven to reverse heart disease in the majority of patients: a plant-based diet.”

Why Do Vegans Need Supplements?

According to The Vegan Society, “well-planned vegan diets contain all the nutrients we need to remain strong and healthy.” But life is busy, and it’s not always possible to maintain a well-planned diet 100 percent of the time.

Vegan or not, if you’re not getting a varied enough diet, this is when you may need to consider supplementing your vitamins.If you’re concerned about whether you’re getting enough of the right vitamins and minerals in your diet, first, consult with a physician.

Vitamin B12

Anyone who doesn’t eat a balanced diet or supplement — not just vegans — are at risk of B12 deficiency. Every day, adults should be getting about 1.5 micrograms.

B12 deficiency can lead to a number of serious health conditions, including paralysis, psychosis, blindness, and nervous system damage. Depending on how much B12 the body has stored, it can take several years for a deficiency to become known.The National Institute of Health recommends taking a vegan-friendly B12 supplement. B12 can also be found in mushrooms, fortified cereals, fortified nutritional yeast, and fortified dairy-free milk.

Vitamin D

Meat-eaters and vegans both find it difficult to get enoughvitamin D. According to the NHS, one in five people in the UK suffers from low vitamin D levels, which can cause fatigue, depression, and muscle pain, amongst other symptoms.

Vitamin D helps you to absorb calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, the nutrients that keep your bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. It also helps your body in other ways, improving brain development, as well as muscle and heart function, and even the function of your immune system. Every day, adults should be getting 10 micrograms of vitamin D.

Mushrooms, fortified dairy-free milk, tofu, orange juice, and the sun are all good sources of vitamin D. There are also many vegan supplements on the market.

Calcium

Children are often told they need to drink cow’s milk and eat dairy products in order to grow up big and strong. This is because dairy is rich incalcium, which is essential for bone health. It also helps to regulate heartbeat and helps the blood to clot normally.

It is possible to get more than enough calcium from a vegan diet. Soy milk is rich in calcium, as are dark leafy greens, tofu, tempeh, almonds, orange juice, figs, chickpeas, and poppy seeds. Every day, you should be getting 700 milligrams of calcium.

If you’re concerned about not getting enough, there are plenty of vegan supplements on the market.Together Healtheven offers a Seaweed Calcium supplement.

Iron

Iron is a mineral that helps with the proper function of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen in the blood. When humans do not have enough iron, they are at risk of anemia. Iron deficiency isn’t exclusive to vegans. According to Medical News Today, around 10 million people in the U.S. have low iron levels.

Male adults over 18 should be getting 8.7 milligrams of iron a day. For women aged 19 to 50, the recommended daily amount is 14.8 milligrams. For women over 50, it’s 8.7 milligrams a day.

Vegan foods rich in iron include dark leafy green vegetables, beans, nuts, and dried fruits. If you’re concerned about your iron levels, you should discuss it with your doctor, as supplementing too much can be dangerous. If your doctor recommends you supplement iron, there are plenty of options available.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Humans can’t makeomega-3 fatty acidsbut they can get them from their diet. They benefit mental health, eye health, heart health, brain health, and prevent inflammation.

Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids with two ends –- carboxylic acid and methyl -– that make up the beginning and tail of the chain. Three important omega-3 fatty acids to know about when discussing human physiology are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are usually found in marine oils, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is commonly found in plant oils.

EPA and DHA are difficult to find in plant sources. However, the body can use ALA to create the long-chain EPA. EPA can then be used to create DHA, commonly believed to be the most important fatty acid. Some foods are fortified with EPA and DHA.

There are a variety of omega-3 supplements on the market. Myprotein offers vegan omega 3 soft gels and Together Health makes its vegan fish-free supplements from algae.

﻿via livekindly.com

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/ikea-announce-their-first-ever-completely-meat-free-christmas-menu2019-11-12T16:22:00-05:002019-11-12T18:28:00-05:00IKEA Announce Their Completely Meat-Free Christmas Menukrishan kalpoeIn an admirable bid to become more ‘sustainable’ and ‘planet-friendly’, flat-pack furniture leaders IKEA are opting for a completely meat-free Christmas menu, for the first time ever.

Whist they will be offering two vegetarian dishes featuring cheese, which sadly brings their credentials down a notch, they are adding a tasty new vegan main – a root vegetable tarte tatin, as well as vegan-friendly mince pies.

The tart tatin will be priced at £3.95 and made from fluffy puff pastry, topped with thyme and glazed root vegetables. It will also come with ‘veg aplenty’, including onions and Brussels sprouts.

The Swedish company said in a statement: “As part of our commitment to supporting our customers to live healthier and more sustainable lives, we have decided to launch our first-ever ‘Meat-Free Christmas’ in our restaurants.

“We know that Christmas dinners are an important part of the festive season, and we really want to encourage our customers to try something new this year.

“Both our meat-free dishes are packed full of flavour, to showcase how more sustainable options can be just as tasty.”

TheOnce Upon A Time In Hollywoodstar, who described meeting Greta as an 'honor', said the pair have 'committed to support one another' in the hopes of 'securing a brighter future for our planet'.

'History will judge us'

"There are few times in human history where voices are amplified at such pivotal moments and in such transformational ways – but Greta Thunberg has become a leader of our time," Dicaprio wrote to his37.1 million Instagram followers.

"History will judge us for what we do today to help guarantee that future generations can enjoy the same livable planet that we have so clearly taken for granted.

"I hope that Greta's message is a wake-up call to world leaders everywhere that the time for inaction is over. It is because of Greta, and young activists everywhere that I am optimistic about what the future holds.

Environmental organization

According to a post on Instagram, the money will be used to 'focus critical resources for indigenous communities and other local partners working to protect the life-sustaining biodiversity of the Amazon'.

"100 percent of your donation will go to partners who are working on the ground to protect the Amazon," the post added.

"Earth Alliance is committed to helping protect the natural world. We are deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis in the Amazon, which highlights the delicate balance of climate, biodiversity, and the wellbeing of indigenous peoples."

﻿Via plantbasednews.org

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/deforestation-has-accelerated-world-loses-forest-size-of-the-uk-every-year2019-10-27T16:35:00-04:002019-11-01T19:41:23-04:00World Loses Forest Size Of The UK Every YearBestChoiceIndia CollaboratorDeforestationhas 'accelerated', according to a report that states the World loses an area of forest equivalent to the size of the UK every year.

The report, created by Climate Focus, states that more than 26 million hectares of trees a year were lost on average between 2014 and 2018, a 43 percent increase when compared to 2001-13.

Meeting the international target to halve the rate of deforestation by next year - an agreement that was set back in 2014 by the New York Declaration on Forests - has now been described as 'impossible'.

'We need to keep our trees'

The report was produced before theAmazonfaced a record number of fires this year - which were linked to cattle farming by a slew ofmajor news outlets.

According tothe Guardian, Charlotte Streck, Co-Founder and Director of Climate Focus, the experts behind the report, said: "We need to keep our trees and we need to restore our forests. Deforestation has accelerated, despite the pledges that have been made."

'Shocking and tragic'

Reader in environmental science and policy at the University of Bristol, Jo House, added: "Deforestation, mostly for agriculture, contributes around a third of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. At the same time, forests naturally take up around a third of anthropogenic CO2 emissions.

"This natural sink provided by forests is at risk from the duel compounding threats of further deforestation and future climate change. The continued loss of primary forests, at ever-increasing rates, despite their incalculable value and irreplaceability, is both shocking and tragic."

﻿Via plantbasednews.org

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/trader-joes-to-release-its-own-vegan-oat-milk2019-10-14T14:19:00-04:002019-11-01T14:11:00-04:00Trader Joe's To Release Its Own Vegan Oat MilkBestChoiceIndia Collaborator
Grocery chain Trader Joe’s will debut its own private-labeled vegan oat milk, VegNews has learned from an anonymous employee of the store. The new Non-Dairy Oat Beverage will retail for $3.99 per 2-quart package and is expected to hit stores nationwide this month. Trader Joe’s describes the new milk—which contains Vitamins A, D, and B12—as “delightfully smooth” and “mildly sweet.” Trader Joe’s has recently increased its vegan offerings by bringing back coconut milk-based whipped cream (which was discontinued since 2017); launching vegan ranch (a larger, coconut milk-based tub of a dip previously featured in a vegetable tray); and announcing the forthcoming launch of its own plant-based burger Protein Patties.

In our sadly, still predominantly non-vegan world, it can be difficult to find a hair salon that offers plant-based and organic hair treatments and products that are environmentally-friendly, and have also not been tested on animals.

And, all too often, the products that do exist are packed with synthetic chemicals that will only seek to harm our hair in the long run.

Upon finding a salon, we also question as to whether or not they care about their long-term impact on the planet.

Luckily, with the vegan population rising, andmore of us becoming consciousof what we put onto our body, as well as into it, establishments that are offering these kinds of products are beginning to emerge – finally!

In fact, according toMintel,veganclaims trebled in hair carebetween 2014 and 2018in the UK, increasing from six per cent of all launches in 2014, to an impressive 20 per cent (one in five) in 2018.

Mintel’s Andrew MacDougall says that as times change, people “will want toalign their beauty routinewith the rest of their lifestyle.” And he’s right.

‘Creating Beauty Through Nature’

Gennaro Dell’Aquila Salons(GA), based in London in Notting Hill and Wimbledon are one such salon chain embracing the power of plants, in fact, their very ethos – ‘Creating beauty through nature’ – embodies it. This philosophy is based around a deeper understanding of natural, curative products, as opposed to artificial chemicals.

Salon owner, Gennarowas no longer happy with the inescapable damage caused to hair during the chemical colouring process, as well as the effects of such nasties on the planet.

So, Gennaro decided to pioneer his own 100 per cent natural,plant-based alternativethat results in effortlessly luxurious, healthy hair, and is also better for Mother Earth.

Using Plants

GA’s organic colour system is constantly being developed – their 20 signature blends are 100 per cent natural and organic, containing mixtures of over 90 different plants, flowers, roots and herbs.

Ingredients include, henna, walnut, chamomile, turmeric, hibiscus, rhubarb and indigo, to name a few. They also use the same ingredients to make their own natural after-care products, so that you can maintain your hair after leaving the salon.

Gennaro says of his ingredients: “We gather the highest quality of these plants from Italy, where a laboratory tests and sterilizes them, with bacteria tests in the Sapienza University of Rome – all without the use of animals.

“Our deep understanding of herbs and our decisions on whether to try new plants results from continuous experiments and education with natural ingredients. Annually, we visit an event at Bologna where we meet with other companies related to the organic lifestyle, and discuss benefits that could be extracted from different plants and then how they can be applied to hairdressing to give beautiful results.

“To create a colour blend, which is bespoke for each client, we go through a consultation, considering the condition of the hair, previous experience and expected results. Then, a decision is mostly taken on the spot – we mix the herbal powder with solely hot water, and this whole process is transparent.

“Each mixture has a different intensity, consistence and smell, and each one of them has a different destiny, too – some to cover grey hair, some to help with dry and dull hair, some to tone highlights, and some penetrate the scalp and regulate the sebum – we’ve got it all covered.

“GA Herbs is our statement and we will be developing these methods until we cover as much as conventional hairdressing services. We believe we can and should contribute to the environment and that’s why we’ve made it our philosophy.”

At the moment, GA’s herbal colouring processes cannot be used to lift hair (to create blondes), but GA can use their natural products after lightening treatments, like highlights, to restore the shine and condition of blonde hair, as well as tone it.

On top of all of this, for those of you that appreciate good coffee, the team will serve you an exceptional oat Americano for while you wait if you ask, all in the comfort of their gorgeous salon.

Article via veganlifemag.com

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/report-finds-animal-cruelty-in-world-s-top-zoos2019-09-15T16:13:00-04:002019-11-01T19:33:00-04:00Report Finds Animal Cruelty In ‘World’s “Top” Zoos’krishan kalpoe
Dolphins being used as surfboards, chimps being clothed in nappies and elephants forced to play basketball – these are some of the humiliating and abusive practices that World Animal Protection’s ‘The Show Can’t Go On’ report finds at zoos and aquariums around the world.

In the name of entertainment, wild animals are being made to endure appalling suffering by the most ‘popular’ zoos in the world. This news follows a first-of-its-kind study The Show Can’t Go On, conducted by World Animal Protection and Change for Animals Foundation.

The global survey investigated zoos and aquariums that are members ofWorld Association of Zoos and Aquariums(WAZA) – the organisation for zoos and similar institutions, set up to guide, encourage and support venues in wild animal care and welfare.

Big Cats In Demeaning Experiences

The Show Can’t Go On revealed that 75 per cent of WAZA’s 1,200 linked venues offer at least one animal visitor interaction. During undertaking of research, field visits to a dozen zoos found animals being cruelly used in demeaning experiences – with big cats, dolphins, elephants and primates being used in the most.

Appallingly, the study found that big cats were being paraded in gladiator-style shows in large amphitheaters,elephantsplaying basketball, dolphins being used like surf boards and clothed chimps driving around in scooters. All of these activities would require abusive training techniques.

‘A Lifetime Of Suffering’

Dr Neil D’Cruze, global wildlife adviser atWorld Animal Protectionsaid: “Seeing wild animals perform in circus-like shows is not just a bit of fun. For the animals in these 12 irresponsible zoos, and potentially many others globally, what might be seen as an enjoyable activity on a day out for the family, means a lifetime of suffering for these animals.”

Harry Eckman, director for Change for Animals Foundation, commented: “All of these ridiculous activities represent a clear and present danger to the wild animals involved. Circus-like shows and elephant rides typically involve harsh training methods to establish dominance and the use of wild animals as photo props can inflict stress and injuries.”

WAZA linked venues are posing as institutions that help animals and with the lack of a single global regulatory body for wildlife tourism, visitors are unknowingly putting their faith in them safeguarding animals.

People need to take a stand and boycott venues like zoos. This will send out a clear message – that treating animals this way is not acceptable, and will in turn close such cruel establishments.

﻿via veganlifemag.com

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/tesla-model-3-is-now-vegan2019-09-04T16:23:00-04:002019-11-01T13:32:05-04:00Tesla Model 3 Is Now Vegankrishan kalpoe
Car company Tesla has officially removed all leather from its Model 3 vehicles. “Model 3 interior is now 100-percent leather-free,” Tesla’s corporate Twitter account posted. In 2015, Tesla shareholders urged the company to offer vegan options, which it delivered later that year in the form of the “vegan ultra white” interior as a stock option in the Model X. By 2016, the company expanded the option to all of its models and began working on a leather-free steering wheel—the only part that could not previously be ordered vegan. At a June shareholders meeting, Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed to animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) that the Model 3 and Model Y would be fully vegan by 2020. Retired race car driver Leilani Münter snagged a new vegan wheel on Friday. “Excited to share my Model 3 steering wheel was swapped for the new leather-free wheel and retrofits are now available via Tesla mobile service,” Münter captioned a photo of the new wheel on Facebook. “Cost is $550 for wheel and [approximately] $50 service charge. The new cow-friendly wheel has a much nicer feel to it.” Last month, Porsche announced plans for its upcoming Taycan electric vehicle, which will include leather-free steering wheel and interior options.

﻿via vegnews.com

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/can-you-get-a-tattoo-as-a-vegan2019-08-13T15:38:00-04:002019-08-13T20:23:57-04:00Can You Get A Tattoo As A Vegan?krishan kalpoe
Getting a vegan tattoo is not as impossible as you may imagine! Dan Hunter of Authority Tattoo takes you through the steps you may want to consider before making your final decision.

If you’ve been interested in tattoos for a while, you’ve probably been told at least once or twice that tattoos aren’t vegan. Yet, we’ve all seen vegans with full tattooed sleeves or a more discreet ‘V’ symbol inked on the back of their hand.

Did they compromise their principles to get tattooed, or is there really a cruelty-free way to get the ink you desire?

The good news is that you can, indeed, get a fully vegan tattoo. However, you need to be aware of the many different parts of the process that might not be vegan-friendly, and take some steps to make sure you’re getting a tattoo that’s done with products you’re comfortable with using.

What vegans should watch out for

Tattoo Ink

The first thing vegans need to be concerned about is the tattoo ink itself.

Gelatin is used as a binding agent and is perhaps the most common animal ingredient found in tattoo ink. Some inks will use shellac instead, which is derived from beetle shells.

Bone char is used in some brands of black ink to give it a darker pigmentation.

Some inks also contain glycerin, which is used to stabilise the ink and provide a smooth shade. Glycerin is a tricky ingredient because it can be made from soybean or palm oil (although some vegans abstain from the latter) or derived from synthetic ingredients, but it can also be produced from tallow (rendered beef fat). Since the source of the glycerin is rarely indicated on any products, it’s safest to avoid it altogether.

Stencil or Transfer Paper

This one comes as a surprise to a lot of people, even if they’re aware of the various animal products contained within most tattoo inks.

The stencil or transfer paper that artists use to apply an outline of the tattoo to your skin before applying the ink might not be vegan friendly as it could contain lanolin (a fat from sheep and other wool-bearing animals).

Aftercare Products

Aftercare products contain a number of ingredients that are healthy for your skin to ensure it stays moisturised and heals properly after the damage inflicted by the tattoo needles. Many of the products tattoo artists recommend, however, contain some animal ingredients.

Lanolin is a common ingredient in skincare products, so you should watch for it when purchasing aftercare creams and lotions. Other ingredients to watch out for include beeswax, cod liver oil, and shark liver oil.

Razor Lubricating Strip

Now, we’re getting really thorough. If your tattoo artist will have to shave the area they’ll be tattooing, they’re likely to use a disposable razor, and some disposable razors have a lubricating strip. Most people don’t think twice about what that strip is made of, but vegans should be aware that it is likely made of glycerin and, as we saw above, glycerin can be derived from tallow.

How to Make Sure You’re Getting a Vegan Tattoo

So, now you know that you might come into contact with animal products at every stage of the process, from the shaving and tracing before you tattoo to the aftercare products used once the process is complete. However, that doesn’t mean getting a tattoo is impossible, or even difficult, as a vegan.

Here are some things you can do to ensure you get a tattoo that’s completely cruelty-free.

Call Ahead and Ask About Your Options

Most tattoo studios are very knowledgeable about the products they use, and often carry alternatives in case they have a customer who is allergic to certain ingredients, or otherwise abstains from them. They will also be able to advise appropriate products to use throughout the healing process.

So, call ahead and let them know you’re a practicing vegan and ask about your options. If they can’t accommodate you, chances are they can help you find someone who can.

Bring Your Own Supplies

Even if your tattoo artist has vegan ink, they might not have a glycerin-free razor or vegan tracing paper. If they don’t have the supplies needed to provide you with an experience you’re comfortable with, you can consider bringing your own razor or purchasing your own tracing paper (or both).

Find a Vegan Tattoo Artist

This is by far the best solution. When you work with a vegan tattoo artist, or if you’re really lucky, an entire vegan tattoo studio, you can be confident they’ve made sure their entire process is cruelty-free. There’s no better peace of mind than knowing that your artist shares the same strong values as you.

Use a Natural Tattoo Healing Lotion

While many tattoo studios push for you to buy specialised tattoo aftercare creams that can contain many varieties of ingredients, there are also many natural alternatives. Some companies pride themselves on selling aftercare balms that a 100% completely vegan-friendly, while organic ingredients such as coconut oil and cocoa butter can also be used effectively to keep your skin in great condition while it continues to heal from the trauma.

While finding a vegan-friendly tattoo artist and tattooing process you’re entirely comfortable with won’t come easy; if you’ve wanted that special tattoo for long enough, you’ll find a way through persistence and passion. As the world changes and adapts, completely vegan tattooing processes are becoming much more painless to find as time goes on.

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/kevin-hart-tells-nearly-74-million-fans-that-he-will-adopt-vegan-diet-12019-08-04T16:44:00-04:002019-08-09T07:53:50-04:00Kevin Hart Tells Fans That He Will Adopt Vegan Dietkrishan kalpoeActor and comedianKevin Harttold his 73.9 million Instagram followers that he will take his dietary habits “up a notch” by ditching meat and animal by-products.

Hart announced on Instagram story that he will start eating better by adopting a plant-based diet.

“I’m going to start eating better,” hesaid on Instagram story. “I already eat good but now I’m going to get on this plant-based food kick.”

Meat-loving record producer and TV personalitySimon Cowellalso adopted a plant-based diet ahead of his 60th birthday to improve his health.

In an interview withThe Sun, he admitted that he already stopped eating meat and dairy and even wheat and sugar for better health. He will also eliminate fish soon, while cigarettes and beer are for special occasions only.

He added that his new diet made him even more handsome, saying: “I was an eight [out of 10] and now I’ve gone to an 11.”

via vegannews.co

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/another-travel-company-drops-seaworld2019-07-29T14:45:00-04:002019-08-09T07:53:49-04:00Another Travel Company Drops SeaWorldkrishan kalpoe
Following an appeal from the animal rights charityPETA, the American travel operators have stopped selling customers tickets to SeaWorld and removed any affiliations with the theme park from theirUnited Vacationswebsite.

When the filmBlackfishwas released in 2013 – a documentary concerning the captivity of Tilikum and the consequences of keeping orcas in captivity, ticket sales for SeaWorld dropped.

In February 2018 former SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby stepped down from his role, following reports of declines in park attendance and total revenue.According to PETA’s campaign websiteSeaWorldofHurt, in the past year, the park has incurred a net loss of $202.4 million and a 5.5 per cent decrease in visitors.

However, the theme park is still a popular attraction, despite ongoing concerns for the animals’ welfare.

Two former SeaWorld trainers have reported that wales were drugged and starved and orcas live in cramped, concrete tanks, deprived of their natural surroundings. More than 40 orcas and hundreds of dolphins have died at SeaWorld parks over the years from health issues such as severe trauma, intestinal gangrene, and chronic cardiovascular failure. SeaWorld has continued to deny these claims.

PETA Senior Vice President, Lisa Lange commented: “United Airlines made the right call to cut ties with a park that confines orcas and other dolphins to concrete tanks that, to them, are the size of bathtubs. SeaWorld is still breeding generation after generation of dolphins to be ridden around like surfboards in sea circus shows, and PETA urges anyone who cares about animals to stay away.”

PETA are now urging AAA Motor clubs to also drop ties with SeaWorld and PETA continue to campaign against the cruel ‘abusement’ park.

On Friday 21 June, HellPizzaintroduced a new limited-edition Burger Pizza, advertised as featuring a “medium-rare burger patty” as a topping. The company says more than 3,000 customers ordered it.

But on Thursday, Hell Pizza revealed that the medium-rare burger patty was, in fact, plant-free, taking most customers by surprise.

According to the survey commissioned by the company, 70 per cent of the customers said the patty tasted just like meat, and 80 per cent said they were pleasantly surprised or unfazed by discovering it was plant-based.

Some 70 per cent of customers allegedly also said they would buy the Burger Pizza again.

The company said it acted to “start a conversation”.

“A lot of people are instantly put off by the idea of fake meats, so we made the call to not reveal its meat-free origins because we were so confident people would enjoy it,” Hell Pizza’s General Manager Ben Cumming said in a statement.

“With more pressure on the planet’s resources, we need to think about alternative food options,” the statement adds. “If covertly adding meat-free options onto a pizza encourages more people to be open-minded, we’re happy to do that!”

But not all customers were equally happy and some complained after the chain revealed the move.

"This is straight out pure deceit," one wrote in aFacebook commentbelow the video in which Hell announced the move. "There are people who have reactions to certain vegetable-based products."

“I’m a dietaryvegan,” another one wrote. “Do that **** to me and I’d be wild. Do that **** to a meat eater, and they have every right to be equally as wild.

“People have a right to decide and know what they do or do not want to eat. This is an absolute disgrace and completely unacceptable.”

But others reacted positively. One wrote: “Can confirm, pizza was tasty, was pleasantly surprised to discover it was meat free. I would not have guessed it.”

“For those saying that they have the right to know what ingredients are used in their food, please answer this question,” added another customer. “Name KFC's 11 herbs and spices?”

Some have claimed that Hell Pizza might have violated New Zealand’s Fair Trading Act, which protects consumers from being misled, even if the menu did not specify the “medium-rare burger patty” was a meat burger.

“What does a reasonable consumer expect if it says burger and there’s no qualifier – It doesn’t say ‘veggie’ or ‘meat-free’?” said marketing lawyer Rae Nield speaking to New Zealand’sStuff. “A reasonable consumer is going to think that means meat.”

The New Zealand news website Stuff said the Commerce Commission had received two complaints about the burger patties on Hell pizzas.

“We have not lied or made any false claims,” Hell Pizza told The Independent in a statement. “Some people assumed that the burger pattie was made from meat but burger patties can be made from many different ingredients.

“There may be a few angry meat lovers out there but it's nothing a pizza voucher won't fix.”

Via independent.co.uk

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/impossible-fish-its-on-the-way2019-07-14T16:10:00-04:002019-08-09T07:53:17-04:00Impossible Fish? It's On The Waykrishan kalpoe
California-based food technology company Impossible Foods—best known for its flagship product the Impossible Burger—is working to develop plant-based fish to tackle the surmounting crisis in the world’s oceans created by industrial fishing. The company is using its technology platform to build fish from plants and last month, Impossible Foods was able to construct a broth that, according to CEO Patrick O. Brown, tastes similar to anchovies—with which the company made paella. While the final formulation has yet to be developed, Impossible Foods will use the key ingredient from its burgers—soy leghemoglobin, or “heme”—to build its plant-based fish. “The only way we can succeed is to make fish from plants that is more delicious than the fish that’s strip mined from the ocean,” Brown told the New York Times, describing the declining fish population as “an ongoing meltdown.” In addition to fish, Impossible Foods is working toward its goal of replacing all food animals with plant-based alternatives by 2035.

Via vegnews.com

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https://theveganvibestore.com/blogs/vegan-news/japan-resumes-whale-slaughter-after-30-year-ban2019-07-07T15:36:00-04:002019-08-09T07:52:50-04:00Japan Resumes Whale Slaughter After 30 Year Bankrishan kalpoe
Today, Japan has begun hunting whales after refraining from the cruel practice for more than 30 years. The country broke with international policy established in 1982 by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to resume the hunting and killing of whales for food, despite an almost 99-percent decrease in consumer demand for whale meat from 1862 to 2017. A group of more than 100 animal-rights and environmental groups, alongside celebrities such as Ricky Gervais, Jane Goodall, and Liz Bonnin sent an open letter about Japan’s choice to break with the IWC to the 20 countries involved in last weekend’s G20 Summit which was hosted by Japan in Osaka. “The fight to protect whales gave birth to the modern environment movement 50 years ago. Yet during a year where Extinction Rebellion, Greta Thurnberg, and school children worldwide are challenging our leaders to tackle environmental decline, Japan is sending its whaling ships back to sea, within days of hosting the G20 Summit,” Dominic Dyer, Senior Policy Advisor of animal-rights group Born Free Foundation, said. “There is no justification for whaling on scientific or economic grounds. World leaders should call on Japan to halt its commercial whaling plans and return to supporting global efforts to protect whales and their ocean habitats. If we fail to protect whales, the future for mankind and our planet will be very bleak indeed.” Kitty Block, President of the Humane Society International, said Japan’s new whaling program stands in stark contrast to its involvement in the G20 Summit—which is aimed to facilitate international cooperation. “Japan leaving the IWC and defying international law to pursue its commercial whaling ambitions is renegade, retrograde, and myopic, it is undermining its international reputation for an industry whose days are so clearly numbered, to produce a product for which demand has plummeted,” Block said. “The IWC is maintaining its ban on commercial whaling for very good reasons and world leaders meeting in Japan this week should not turn a blind eye to the cruel assault planned on whales of the North Pacific.” Japan’s Fisheries Agency authorized the slaughter of 383 whales annually under its new hunting program.